Complaint letter

Firm, polite, and hard to ignore.

The dishwasher that died after a month. The subscription that kept charging. The deposit that never came back. The parking fine you don't deserve. Pick what happened, fill in the blanks, and get a letter with a clear demand, a deadline, and the article of law that backs you up.

Good to know

  • Does a letter really help?

    Yes. A dated letter with a clear demand and a deadline is what a dispute body, a bank or a judge will ask for first. Most companies settle at this stage because they know that.

  • Who do I write to for a faulty product?

    The shop you bought it from, not the manufacturer. The seller is responsible by law, even if they point you to the maker's warranty.

  • I was charged after cancelling. Letter or bank?

    Both. Send the letter so there's a record you asked, and tell your bank: a SEPA direct debit can be reversed within eight weeks, no questions asked.

  • How long do I have to object to a fine?

    Short: six weeks in the Netherlands, one month in Germany, two weeks for a German Bußgeldbescheid. The date on the decision counts, so send it straight away and keep proof.